versión impresa ISSN 2072-8174

Resumen

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease characterized by suprabasal blisters and IgG auto antibodies directed against desmoglein 3 of the desmosome. The aim of this work is to communicate the casuistics of the Dermatology Service of the National Hospital over a period of 20 years and determine the demographic, clinical and developmental characteristics. Material and Methods: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study. It includes patients of both sexes, all ages, in treatment at the dermatology outpatient or inpatient wards of the Hospital that have histological confirmation. Results: In the period 1991-2011, 22 cases of pemphigus vulgaris were diagnosed, representing 12.7% of cases of pemphigus observed in our service. Predominance in female sex (13 cases) and in the age group 30 to 49 years (15 cases) was observed, with a mean age of 42.1 years. Oral mucosal involvement was present in 18 cases, in 12 of which it was the initial symptom. Cutaneous involvement observed in all cases was disseminated or generalized (20 cases). Two cases were of the vegetative variety. The most commonly used treatment was prednisone alone (8 cases) or associated with azathioprine (8 cases). The outcome was favorable in 19 cases, with cure or remission. Two cases ended in death and one received no treatment. Conclusions: Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare condition in our service, but with significant morbidity and mortality. It is second in frequency after the foliaceous type.